Speech by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement
Madam Speaker, Cllr N Mthembu
Executive Mayor, His Worship Dada Morero
Chief Whip of Council, Hon Zungu
The Mphahlele Family and Friends
The Economic Freedom Fighters,
Chairpersons of S79 Committees
City Manager, Mr Floyd Brink
Secretary to council, Mr Andile Gobingca
Honourable Members
Guests in the Gallery
Members of the media present
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I rise before you today to reflect on the life and tragic death of Councillor Moshe Mphahlele. On the 4th of August 2024, the City of Johannesburg and the community of Alexandra lost a courageous leader, a fierce advocate for the marginalized, and a passionate public servant.
Councillor Mphahlele was violently taken from us, a casualty in a struggle to ensure the rights and dignity of those who have been overlooked for far too long. This is a loss that not only shakes the foundations of our Council but stirs the conscience of our society.
Councillor Mphahlele’s name will forever be etched in our memories as a man who engaged in his duties with unmatched dedication. His voice resonated in this Chamber, unafraid to challenge authority, unflinching in his pursuit of justice for the people of Alexandra. He spoke truth to power, a man of principles who dared to stand firm in defense of the poor and the forgotten, even when it meant standing alone. He was not just a representative of his party, but a servant of the people — especially the vulnerable — whose struggles he intimately understood and whose burdens he carried.
His journey was one of remarkable courage, a path paved not with easy victories but with countless battles fought in service of a better future for his community. In every engagement, Councillor Mphahlele embodied the qualities of a true fighter: passionate, determined, and unwilling to compromise on matters of justice. His intelligence and sharp wit were always evident in his contributions, but it was his heart — his unwavering commitment to the people of Alexandra — that set him apart.
The tragedy of his death lies not only in the violence that claimed his life but in the context of his final moments. Councillor Mphahlele was shot down while attempting to mediate in a protest, striving to ensure that those who had been unjustly evicted from their homes would find justice.
He died as he lived — fighting for the dignity and rights of the most vulnerable among us. In that moment, he was not just a councillor; he was a beacon of hope for a community that has long felt neglected, a voice for the voiceless. That his life should be so violently cut short while he sought peace is a bitter and painful irony.
His passing is a stark reminder of the precariousness of our democracy, where violence too often silences those who dare to stand for justice. This tragedy is not just the loss of a leader; it is a failure of our society to protect those who fight for what is right. We cannot allow Councillor Mphahlele’s death to become another statistic in the growing epidemic of political violence in our country. His life was worth more than that. His sacrifice demands that we, as leaders, reflect deeply on the state of our democracy and the safety of those who champion the cause of the oppressed.
The United Democratic Movement calls upon law enforcement to act with the urgency and integrity this moment requires. We implore them to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice for Councillor Mphahlele. The perpetrators of this senseless act must be found and face the full might of the law. It is not enough to mourn; we must act. Justice delayed is justice denied, and for the family, friends, and community of Councillor Mphahlele, the agony of delay would only deepen their wounds. We must ensure that the investigation is thorough, transparent, and swift, so that those responsible are brought to book without delay. The pursuit of justice must not end until every individual involved in this atrocity is held accountable.
This violent act has also exposed deeper fractures within our society — fractures that continue to fuel unrest and insecurity. The burning of security vehicles, the protests, the desperation of those living in makeshift shacks — these are symptoms of a society in crisis. The anger and frustration that boiled over in Alexandra are not isolated incidents but reflections of widespread disillusionment with the system. The people Councillor Mphahlele fought for are not faceless numbers; they are our fellow South Africans, families and individuals who are simply asking for their basic human rights to be respected. They are people forced into unbearable living conditions, people who feel abandoned by the institutions meant to protect and serve them.
It is our duty, as leaders, to honour Councillor Mphahlele’s legacy by ensuring that his work continues. His fight for housing, dignity, and justice must not die with him. To the family of Councillor Mphahlele, we offer our deepest condolences. We cannot begin to comprehend the pain you are experiencing, but we stand with you in your grief. Councillor Mphahlele was more than a colleague; he was a husband, a father, a friend, and a pillar of his community. His loss is immeasurable, but so too is the impact of his life. May you find solace in knowing that his legacy lives on, and that his work, his passion, and his love for the people of Alexandra will never be forgotten.
As we bid farewell to a man of principle and conviction, let us not forget the responsibility that now rests on our shoulders. Councillor Mphahlele’s passing calls on all of us to do better, to fight harder for justice, and to ensure that the dignity of every South African is upheld. His life was a testament to the power of one person to make a difference, and it is now up to us to carry forward his vision for a just and equitable society.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Thank you.
